Rona Lightfoot

Is e seinneadair, pìobaire, sgeulaiche, neach-teagaisg agus seanchaidh a th’ ann an Rona Lightfoot. Is i tè de shàr charactaran spòrsail saoghal na Gàidhlig aig a bheil beartas de sheanchas agus spiorad gus beagan de chonnspaid agus fealla-dhà adbhrachadh!

 

Rugadh Rona ann an Uibhist a Deas air 17 Giblean 1936 agus chaidh a togail ann an teaghlach anns an robh beartas de bheul-aithris. Tha i air seinn agus teagasg a dhèanamh air feadh Alba, Chanada agus nan Stàitean Aonaichte agus mu dheireadh thall ann an 2004 thug i a-mach a’ chiad chlàr aice, Eadarainn. Tha i cuideachd air clàradh còmhla ri Maighread Stiùbhart agus thug i ùghdarras mar sgeulaiche dhan choimisean ioma-mheadhanach aig Donnchadh Siosalach, Kin aig Blas 2007.

Is iomadh seinneadair is pìobaire òg a tha air buannachd fhaighinn à oideachadh Rona. Tha i air a bhith a’ teagasg aig fèisean thall ‘s a bhos – ann an Inbhir Nis, sa Bhlàran Odhar agus Ullapul mar eisimpleir, agus tha i air a bhith na h-oide aig Ceòlas ann an Uibhist a Deas gach bliadhna bhon a chaidh a stèidheachadh. Ghluais Rona bho bhith na farpaiseach gu bhith na britheamh aig coinneamhan-pìoba. Bidh i fhathast a’ toirt seachad òran, brosnachadh, gliocas agus àbhachdas do choimhearsnachdan na Gàidhlig air feadh an t-saoghail agus guma fad a mhaireas sin!

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Singer, piper, storyteller, teacher and all-round tradition bearer, Rona Lightfoot is one of Gaeldom’s great characters, a one-woman ceilidh with a treasure trove of folklore and the spirit to take on authority and win.

Born on South Uist on April 17 1936, Rona grew up in a family rich in tradition. She has sung all over Scotland, across Canada and the United States and in 2004 she finally recorded her first album, Eadarainn. She has also recorded with Margaret Stewart and made an important contribution as a storyteller to Duncan Chisholm’s multi-media commission for Blas 2007, Kin.

The young singers and pipers who have benefited from Rona’s tuition are legion. She has taught at Fèisean in many areas including Inverness, Bettyhill and Ullapool and has been an instructor at Ceòlas on South Uist every year since its inception. She has also given workshops throughout Scotland, in Canada and America, as well as crossing over from competitor to judge at piping meetings. She continues to be a source of inspiration, songs, wisdom and humour to the Gaelic community worldwide.

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Blas Festival 2017 Appearances

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Scalpay Community Centre - Friday 1 September

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